Abstract: A tunnel finisher apparatus for use in garment and fabric cleaning and finishing is provided utilizing atmospheric pressure steam to treat the garments or fabrics and using a mixture of highly heated air mixed with atmospheric steam to further treat garments and fabrics.

Abstract: A door lock structure including: an object providing a storage space; a door being mounted to the object to be capable of opening and closing the storage space; a locking pin member being provided inside of the door and comprising a fixing pin which reciprocally moves within a door area restricted by an inside surface of the door; and a pinhole member being mounted to the object to selectively combine with the fixing pin within the door area when the door is closed is provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing fertilizer from fish, and a fertilizer prepared from said process, is disclosed. The fertilizer is for use on soil and plants. The process involves hydrolysis of fish with a phosphorus containing acid, preferably an inorganic phosphorus based acid, under normal ambient conditions. Typically, phosphoric acid is used. The fertilizer prepared from the disclosed process contains 1 to 10% by weight of the phosphorus based acid.

Abstract: Aeration or air floors for composting, agricultural product storage, or other suitable uses are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aeration floor system includes a hollow core slab having a surface and a hollow tube extending in a direction generally parallel to the surface. The system further includes a slot extending between the surface and the hollowed tube. The slot has a tapered cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel mixtures of N,N?-ethylene-bis(hydroxyphenyl)glycines comprising a mixture of o,p-and o,o-isomers, wherein the ratio of o,pto o,o-isomer is higher than 0.8:1. The novel mixtures have improved characteristics for supplying crop plants with essential metal chelates required as plant nutrients. With the novel mixtures, in particular the short-term supply of metal chelates is improved, while the long term supply is maintained as for known chelating agents comprizing only the o,o-isomer of N,N?-ethylene-bis(hydroxyphenyl)glycine. The invention further refers to metal complexes of the isomer mixture, their use in the field of agriculture as plant nutrient or as component of fertilizers for plants and for treatment of chlorosis in crop plants.

Abstract: A method for producing a double-chamber hollow profile having chamber walls integrally joined to one another, in which a tubular hollow profile blank having a single hollow space is bent to form two branches which run at least virtually parallel to one another, and inserted into a internal high pressure forming tool to be expanded into a final shape by a high internal fluid pressure until the opposing walls of the branches bear against one another and the remaining walls bear against the recess cavity of the forming tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a circular metal tank, from an elongated sheet of metal. The upper and lower longitudinal edges of the metal sheet are bent to produce a first “L” bend and a second “chair” bend, respectively. The sheet of metal is moved in a helical trajectory such that the second bend comes into proximity above the first bend. The second bend and the first bend are welded together such that the wall of the cylindrical tank is formed., Welding of the bends serves to stress relieve or anneal the bent metal, thereby preventing cracks in the metal which may result in leaks and/or compromise the structural integrity of the tank. The first and second bends additionally cooperate to form a helical roller track on the outside of the tank. The tank is supported and rotated about its longitudinal axis on a plurality of rollers that engage the roller track.

Abstract: In a rolling mill for rolling metal strip (1), especially steel strip, which has at least one rolling stand (2), an upstream coiler (3), and a downstream coiler (4), wherein an “S” roll unit (5, 6), which has two rolls (7, 8; 9, 10) that guide the strip (1) in the form of an “S”, is arranged between the upstream coiler (3) and the rolling stand (2) and/or between the rolling stand (2) and the downstream coiler (4), the invention provides that a first roll (7, 9) of the “S” roll unit (5, 6) is arranged in a fixed manner, and a second roll (8, 10) of the “S” roll unit (5, 6) is arranged in such a way that it can move relative to the first roll (7, 9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling and/or starting machine units in installations, such as machine beds (1) and/or roll stands (2), e.g. in an existing production line of a hot-rolling mill. In order to minimize especially the downtimes during assembly, the machine bed (1) is prefabricated and the required or cooperating machine units are prefabricated and preassembled or assembled on site next to the production line (3), whereupon said machine units are inserted into the production line (3) as a complete structural unit including the bed block (1) and allocated driving members, control elements, fastening elements or similar, pipes and cables required for operation, and additional pieces of equipment.

Abstract: A method of making nano/sub-micron sized grains in a work piece material having a lateral side has the steps of providing a die. The die has an entrance channel with a longitudinal axis and an exit channel. The entrance channel and the exit channel are connected to one another to form an angle. The method has the step of providing a first sacrificial material with a complementary size to the work piece and placing the sacrificial first material and the work piece in an entrance channel. The first sacrificial material and the work piece are aligned with the longitudinal axis. The method has the step of extruding the combination of the first sacrificial material, and the work piece through the intersection of the entrance and the exit channels. The resulting shear deformation forms the nano/sub-micron sized grains in the work piece. This configuration reduces frictional effects thereby producing homogenous nano grain structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of forming a trailer receiver for use in connection with a trailer hitch assembly for towing trailers, campers, boats and the like. The invention relates to an improved method for forming a trailer receiver that utilizes cold forward extrusion and a tooling arrangement to efficiently and cost effectively produce custom trailer receivers.

Abstract: A channel letter bending machine for bending a return of a channel letter from a stock includes a feeding unit disposed along a path of travel of the stock to be bent for feeding the stock, a flanging unit for forming a flange along one edge of the stock, a notching unit for notching the flange of the stock fed by the feeding mechanism along the path of travel, and a bending unit for bending the stock under the control of the computer control system into the desired configuration for the channel letter shape, wherein the notching unit and the flanging unit are disposed upstream of the bending unit and the flanging unit is disposed upstream of the notching unit.

Abstract: A hot stretch wrap forming apparatus includes a die having a work surface formed of a thermally and/or electrically insulative material, and a set of spaced jaws for stretching and wrapping the metal form around the work surface. A preferred insulative material is a flexible blanket of woven ceramic fibers. A heat source is used to heat the metal form prior to stretching and wrapping. The metal form is preferably heated resistively to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the metal form. The die is typically formed primarily of metal and thus the insulative material thermally insulates the metal form from the metal of the die to prevent the formation of hot spots which would otherwise occur therebetween. The insulative material also electrically insulates the metal form from the metal of the die to prevent shunting therebetween.

Abstract: A hot creep stretch wrap forming method includes heating a metal bar to a forming temperature within a temperature range suitable for creep deformation thereof, applying a stretching force to the metal bar at a strain rate no greater than 0.05 inch/inch/second, and wrapping the metal bar around a die, preferably having a thermally and/or electrically insulative work surface. The stretching force is typically applied to a strain ranging from 0.5% to 15.0%. The metal bar most preferably is a titanium alloy with a forming temperature ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 of its melting temperature. The wrapped metal bar is held in position and its temperature maintained within the temperature range typically for 5 to 120 minutes for stress relief. Preferably, the metal bar is held substantially at the forming temperature throughout the process. Thermal insulation around the die and metal bar reduce heat loss from the metal bar.

Abstract: A hot creep stretch wrap forming method includes heating a metal bar to a forming temperature within a temperature range suitable for creep deformation thereof, applying a stretching force to the metal bar at a strain rate no greater than 0.05 inch/inch/second, and wrapping the metal bar around a die, preferably having a thermally and/or electrically insulative work surface. The stretching force is typically applied to a strain ranging from 0.5% to 15.0%. The metal bar most preferably is a titanium alloy with a forming temperature ranging from 0.45 to 0.60 of its melting temperature. The wrapped metal bar is held in position and its temperature maintained within the temperature range typically for 5 to 120 minutes for stress relief. Preferably, the metal bar is held substantially at the forming temperature throughout the process. Thermal insulation around the die and metal bar reduce heat loss from the metal bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a bending press for bending the boundary edge of a planar sheet for shaping into an open seam tube, with an upper tool shaped to correspond to the bend radius to be achieved and an opposed lower tool which may be displaced vertically, between which the boundary edges of the sheet which is clamped in place in the press frame may be bent into the desired boundary contour. The lower tool is provided with a straight working surface and mounted to pivot about a rotational axis whereby the pivot range is at least so large that a permanent planar contact between the working surface of the lower tool and the bottom face of the boundary edge is possible during the bending.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe expanding device for expanding a thin pipe with a small diameter using elasticity and compressing and bending characteristics of a spring. Steel wires whose opposite contact sections are processed with a slope to be engaged in parallel so that contact length of both ends thereof are extended are bent and wound to form a ring spring having a single circumference with its body being partially cut off. This ring spring is used as a mold so as to expand an outer diameter of a pipe as much as a circumferential length of both ends that are widened rather than a normal circumferential diameter due to elasticity of the spring while the ring spring presses the pipe. This pipe expanding device employing the ring spring is simple and economical and allows even an unskilled person to use it easily.

Abstract: A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.

Abstract: An electrical connector crimp tool including a first crimp jaw section; and a second crimp jaw section pivotably connected to the first crimp jaw section. The second crimp jaw section includes a center crimp force axis directed towards an electrical connector during crimping. The second crimp jaw section includes a crimp groove for directly contacting the electrical connector during crimping. The crimp groove has a center crimp path axis which is angled relative to the center crimp force axis.

Abstract: A calibration arrangement for breathalyzers wherein a heightened degree of control and management is applied. Broadly contemplated are arrangements whereby jars or containers of new solution to be used in the calibration arrangement are subject to automatic verification. Also contemplated is the close monitoring of the running of calibration tests and safeguards to ensure that extensively used or old solution is not put into use.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a suspension element for a vehicle, including a wheel test spindle and a road simulation drum that is rotated by a motor is disclosed. The suspension element comprises a wheel and a tire. The wheel test spindle may be supported on a carrier assembly. The road simulation drum includes a chuck hole recess that may be provided in a replaceable module comprising a portion of the outer surface of the drum. The motor rotates the drum causing the tire and wheel to rotate on the test spindle to roll against the outer surface of the drum and through the chuck hole recess.

Abstract: Use of an oxygen sensor comprising a membrane, preferably in the form of a first tube (2), which is substantially made of zirconium dioxide and has an internal and an external coating (3, 4) of an electrically conductive, catalytic layer. On the electrically conductive, catalytic layer, a porous, preferably ceramic layer (5) is provided. The porous layer (5) is provided on the electrically conductive, catalytic layer (3), which is located at least partially within a second tube (6), made of a gas tight material. The oxygen sensor, which is part of a clamped together structure with O-rings, may be used in a method, in which the measuring gas, especially a reactive measuring gas, is supplied to the external side of the first tube (2).

Abstract: A soot sensor includes an insulator having a through-hole and a center electrode provided in the through-hole of the insulator so that a leading end of the center electrode protrudes from a leading end of the insulator and faces a discharge gap. A heating member is embedded in the insulator, and the distance between the heating member and the leading end of the center electrode is at least 10 mm.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.

Abstract: A sensor, in particular a gas sensor for determining a physical characteristic of a measuring gas, in particular the temperature of the concentration of a gas component, in particular in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, includes a sensor element which protrudes with a gas-side end section from a sensor housing and having a double protecting tube, which encloses the gas-side end section, and has an outer tube and an inner tube. For improved protection of the sensor element against thermal shock, a reduction in the heating power for the sensor element, and sufficiently high dynamics of the sensor, a cup-shaped central protecting tube is placed over the gas-side end section, the central protecting tube being provided with gas passage apertures in the tube casing, the gas passage apertures being positioned offset to the tube bottom with respect to the gas passage apertures present in the inner tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include a sampling device, a chromatographic column, and a transfer line through which a fluid containing analytes to be measured are communicated from the sampling device to the column. The pressure at which the fluid containing the analytes is applied at the inlet of the transfer line is adjusted as the temperature of the column increases in accordance with certain relationships in order to maintain a substantially constant flow rate or velocity for the fluid exiting the column. In this way, the system compensates for changes in the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the column that result from changes in the column temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method maximizes efficiency and accuracy of measuring an ion concentration of a measured fluid by varying a flow of ions within a measuring cell in accordance with an output signal of a sensor cell. The pump current through a pump cell is switched between a constant positive current and a constant negative current when upper and lower thresholds of the output signal are reached. The pulse width ratio of the square wave produced by the varying current is compared to a pulse width ratio function derived from a calibration procedure to determine the ion concentration of the measured fluid. In one embodiment, the functions of the pump cell and sensing cell are performed by a single electrochemical cell.

Abstract: For operating a hydrogen test leak unit comprising a chamber (21) defined by a membrane (22), a test gas mixture of hydrogen and an added gas is used. The added gas has a permeation coefficient relative to the material of the membrane (22) ranging between 50% and 200% of that of hydrogen. In this manner, demixing of the test gas mixture is limited and significant concentration variations in the chamber (21) are prevented. Preferably, helium is used as added gas.

Abstract: A apparatus for detecting leakage of a liquid in a tank, where erroneous detection is suppressed and which is capable of fine and accurate display and warning that depend on the degree of increase and decrease in the quantity of the liquid. The apparatus performs a first liquid quantity variation detection for detecting liquid quantity variation based on a flow rate corresponding value that is calculated using an output of a flow rate sensor section and also performs a second liquid quantity variation detection for detecting liquid quantity variation based on a time variation rate of a liquid level that is measured by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A rheometer comprises a container for receiving a material sample to be investigated, and a rotary driven rotor which can be immersed at least partially into the material sample. At least sections of an inner wall of the container are provided with a profile in order to prevent formation of a sliding layer between the material to be investigated and the inner wall. The profile is thereby formed by at least one, in particular, several profiling elements which are exchangeably held on the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and systems for determining the interaction of molecules using the phenomenon of Taylor-Aris dispersion present in fluid flow in conduits. The method involves relating a change in dispersion of molecules to their level of interaction. The present invention also relates to an assay method using Taylor-Aris dispersion in a microfluidic system in order to examine molecular interactions in a variety of chemical and biochemical systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for forming an array of multiple nanotube tips that can be utilized with AFM technology. The multiprobe tips may be independently modified or specifically left unmodified. Software can generate a composite image of data collected from two or more of the independently modified and unmodified tips.

Abstract: A procedure to operate a metering device of an exhaust gas emission control system of an internal combustion engine and a device to implement the procedure are proposed. At least one component in an exhaust gas emission control configuration of the exhaust gas emission control system requires at least in certain operating conditions a reagent substance, which the metering device provides, in which a connecting line is disposed. After the emergence of a metering demand signal a reagent substance rate-set point is established. The reagent substance rate-set point is either established immediately when the metering demand signal occurs and subsequently no longer changed until the connecting line is filled with the reagent substance; or the reagent substance rate-set point is only then established if the connecting line is filled with the reagent substance. An overdose of the reagent substance is avoided with the procedural approach according to the invention.

Abstract: An in-cylinder pressure detection device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of calculating a hysteresis amount properly to thereby detect in-cylinder pressure with high accuracy. The in-cylinder pressure detection device comprises an in-cylinder pressure sensor that detects in-cylinder pressure as a detected in-cylinder pressure. The in-cylinder pressure detection device estimates an in-cylinder pressure generated when combustion is not performed in the cylinder, as a motoring pressure, calculates a hysteresis amount indicative of a difference between the detected in-cylinder pressure and an actual in-cylinder pressure, based on the detected in-cylinder pressure and the motoring pressure obtained during the exhaust stroke of the engine, and corrects the detected in-cylinder pressure based on the calculated hysteresis amount.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an on-time calculation model or a lookup table used for determining on-time values for an injector of a cylinder in a combustion engine useful in a motor vehicle, where the injector is connected to a fuel accumulator. The method comprises the steps of injecting a test fuel quantity exceeding the maximum allowed fuel injection quantity under such conditions that no ignition of the injected fuel takes place; measuring the pressure drop in the fuel accumulator during the test injection; establishing the actual fuel quantity injected during the test injection based on the pressure drop; performing a comparison based on the actual fuel quantity or the corresponding on-time value established with the aid of the on-time calculation model or the lookup table; and adjusting the on-time calculation model or lookup table in dependence on the result of the comparison. An apparatus which performs the method. A computer program to perform the method.

Abstract: A rotational fluctuation is given as a variation in rotation speed of a crankshaft at every specific crank angle, that is, at every 120 degrees, corresponding to an ignition timing in each cylinder of a six-cylinder engine. The engine misfire identification technique of the invention calculates a difference between a specific rotational fluctuation at a specific crank angle and a previous rotational fluctuation at a crank angle of 360 degrees before the specific crank angle as a rotational fluctuation difference, and sums up the specific rotational fluctuation at the specific crank angle and the previous rotational fluctuation at the crank angle of 360 degrees before the specific crank angle to give a total rotational fluctuation.

Abstract: A flowing device for an optics-based methanol sensor includes an inner housing that surrounds the optics-based methanol sensor, an outer housing that surrounds the inner housing, a flow channel in the inner housing formed on a totally reflecting surface of the optics-based methanol sensor, a fuel inlet that is formed through the inner and outer housings and supplies liquid fuel to the flow channel, and a fuel outlet that is formed through the inner and outer housings and discharges the liquid fuel that has passed through the flow channel to an outside of the outer housing.

Abstract: A means for measuring fluid flow through or into a pipe comprises a fluidistor element (11) arranged in a wall of a pipe splicing piece (10) inserted between sections of the pipe. A pressure sensor (3, 12) senses oscillations in the fluidistor element, and delivers a signal to an analyser (8) for deriving fluid flow rate, density and composition.

Abstract: The invention may be said to consist in a level sensor 1 for providing an indication of liquid level in a container comprising: an ultrasonic transducer 120 for emitting an ultrasonic signal to the surface of the liquid and for detecting a return signal, reflected from the surface, a controller 19 that instructs the transducer 120 to emit ultrasonic signals and receives an indication that a return signal has been detected, the controller 19 comprising a timer for measuring the time period between emission of the ultrasonic signal and receipt of a return signal, the determined time period providing an indication of the liquid level, and a radio transmitter 22 that receives an indication of the liquid level and transmits a radio liquid level signal comprising the level indication to a remote output unit e.g. 200.

Abstract: A detection device includes a driver circuit and a detection circuit. The detection circuit includes an amplifier circuit which amplifies an output signal from a vibrator, a sensitivity adjustment circuit which performs sensitivity adjustment by variably controlling a gain, and a synchronous detection circuit which performs synchronous detection based on a reference signal. The sensitivity adjustment circuit is provided in the preceding stage of the synchronous detection circuit. The sensitivity adjustment circuit operates as a programmable-gain amplifier and a high-pass filter.

Abstract: A sensor having a mass that moves relative to a structure is disclosed. A spring mechanism applies a restoring force to the mass when the mass moves from an equilibrium position with respect to the structure. A first code scale is attached to the mass and viewed by a first imaging system that is fixed with respect to the structure. The first imaging system forms images of the first code scale that are used by a controller to provide an indication of the relative position of the mass with respect to the structure. The mass can be located in a sealed chamber in the structure that has a transparent liquid through which the mass moves. The first imaging can view the first code scale from outside the chamber through a transparent window in the chamber.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a weight; a base portion, a beam; and a piezo resistance element. The weight is arranged to displace upon receiving acceleration. The base portion is disposed around the weight apart from the weight. The beam has one end portion connected to the weight and the other end portion connected to the base portion. The beam also has a thick layer portion and a thin layer portion having a thickness smaller than that of the thick layer portion. The piezo resistance element is disposed over the thick layer portion and the thin layer portion.

Abstract: An audiometer having an air-conduction receiver, a bone-conduction receiver, a masking receiver and an audiometer body is provided, in which the air-conduction receiver, the bone-conduction receiver, and the masking receiver are respectively provided with serial ROMs in which identification information and calibration information of each receiver are stored. The audiometer body comprises a misconnection detector for detecting misconnection of each receiver, a calibration period judging mechanism for judging a calibration transition period of each receiver, and a correction amount computer for computing a correction amount of sound pressure based on the information stored in the serial ROMs.

Abstract: A Stall Warning System (SWS) utilizing the detection and analysis of stress waves, (i.e., ultrasound) emitted by combustion and/or turbulent flow processes of an apparatus, such as a turbine engine, for example. Upon detection of an impending stall condition, the SWS can inform the operator, inform another electronic device (computer, etc.) and/or latch the event for review by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: Devices for monitoring structural health conditions of structures. A device includes a bottom substrate layer and an electrical connection layer disposed on the bottom substrate layer. The electrical connection layer includes a middle layer and a pair of generally comb-shaped electrodes disposed beneath the bottom surface of the middle layer. The device also includes one or more piezo-ceramic transducers sandwiched between the bottom substrate layer and the electrical connection layer, wherein the transducers are electrically coupled to the comb-shaped electrodes. The device also includes a top cover layer disposed on the electrical connection layer and means for communicating electrical signals to the piezo-ceramic transducers.

Abstract: Detection apparatus can include a positioning device with a wall including a substantially conical inner surface and a detection device configured to send and receive signals and move along the conical inner surface. Detection apparatus are also provided that comprise a positioning device and an end portion with an image port, a light device, and a detection device configured to send and receive signals. Ultrasonic transducer devices are also provided with a transducer material layer, a contact plating layer including a convex portion with an array of transducer elements, an acoustic matching layer, and a top plating layer.

Abstract: A method for checking a weld (1) between a first metal pipeline (2) and a second metal pipeline (4), in particular an austenitic weld, the method comprising at least the following method steps: (a) a first ultrasonic beam (30) is transmitted to an interface (26) between the weld and the first pipeline situated on a first side (28) of the weld; (b) a reflection of the first ultrasonic beam (30) on the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld is received and a first received signal corresponding thereto is generated; (c) a second ultrasonic beam (40) different from the first ultrasonic beam (30) is transmitted to the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld; (d) a reflection of the second ultrasonic beam (40) on the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld is received and a second received signal corresponding thereto is generated; (e) the first received signal and the second received signal are processed in combination for checking the weld (1).

Abstract: A biological fluid device comprises a pressure sensor, which is arranged on the device. The pressure sensor comprises a compressible container, the compression of which is indicative of the pressure, and is capable of wireless communication.

Abstract: A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Mi cromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.

Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.